Lot 238 A CALLIGRAPHIC MANUSCRIPT LEAF WITH LATER DECORATION, PERSIA 19TH CENTURY

A finely written Arabic manuscript leaf containing verses attributed to Qays ibn al-Mulawwaḥ (Majnūn Laylā), written in elegant Naskh script in black ink. The verses celebrate the poet’s longing for Laylā and are arranged in horizontal panels. The text is surrounded by extensive later-added polychrome and gilt illumination, including stylised deer, birds and pheasants amid luxuriant flowering arabesques and scrolling foliage. The composition is framed within a bold red, black and gilt ruled border.

The leaf bears the signature (“Muḥammad Riḍa) at the foot. 25 by 17 cm